Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring

Disappointingly, not an ironically titled ballad.

Disappointingly not an ironically titled ballad, the latest from one of Cardiff University’s best results - and title track from their new LP - kicks off with a bang and doesn't really let up from there.

From the opening riff one would be forgiven for thinking this is just another piece of throwaway heavy indie, though as soon as the chorus drops you realise that may not be the case. Despite sounding more like Black Kids than pretty much anything they’ve done before this unfortunate likening is void, as the sound becomes less classroom cacophony in its loudest moments and more rebellious choir.

There’s always a heavy amount of referencing involved in Los Campesinos! and this is no exception. There’s the opening seconds of Suede and more than a little Sons & Daughters in this mix of distorted guitars and Animal drum patterns. Hectic but intelligent stuff.